Systems and methods for re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for preparing and re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network are described. A utility meter is communicated with. An authentication key and encryption data for communicating with the utility meter may be determined. The authentication key and encryption data are sent to a controlled device. A set of translation rules for a message are determined. The translation rules are sent to the controlled device. The controlled device establishes a secure communication link with the utility meter using the authentication key and the encryption data. The controlled device receives a request to change power usage from the utility meter over the secure communication link. The controlled device translates the request to change power usage into control instructions using the translation rules.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/234,968, filed Aug. 18, 2009, for“Systems and Methods for Re-Commissioning a Controlled Device in a HomeArea Network,” with inventors Paul E. Nagel, and William B. West.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to home area networks. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to re-commissioning acontrolled device in a home area network.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the price of electronic devices has decreaseddramatically. In addition, the types of electronic components that canbe purchased have continued to increase. For example, DVD players, largescreen TVs, multi-carousel CD and DVD players, MP3 players, video gameconsoles, and similar consumer electronic items have become more widelyavailable while continuing to drop in price.

The decreasing prices and increasing types of electronic components havepacked today's homes and businesses with modern conveniences. As more ofthese components are sold, the average household power consumption alsoincreases. Typical homes and businesses now include more power-consumingdevices than ever before. With the increasing demands for power, attimes power consumption may approach the limit on the capacity togenerate power. If the consumption gets too close to the upper limit onpower generation capacity, power outages and/or disruptions, such asblackouts and brownouts, may occur.

To avoid such power disruptions, a region may build infrastructure toincrease power generation. However, increasing power generation for ageographic region is often very expensive. Thus, it may be more costeffective to determine ways to decrease consumption. As such, there is aneed for improved systems and methods for decreasing power consumptionwhile limiting the adverse effects as much as possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a chart illustrating one configuration of a system using thedirective model;

FIG. 1B is a chart illustrating one configuration of a system using theobjective model;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of a systemfor re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of a systemfor re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a home areanetwork;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of a systemfor re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for translating a demandresponse;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for translating a demandresponse;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for preparing acontrolled device to re-commission itself in a home area network;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system for re-commissioning a controlleddevice in a home area network;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for re-commissioning acontrolled device in a home area network;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating multiple configurations of ascreenshot on an In-Home Display; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating various components that may beutilized in a computing device/electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method for preparing a controlled device to re-commission itself in ahome area network is disclosed. A utility meter is communicated with. Anauthentication key and encryption data are determined for communicatingwith the utility meter. The authentication key and encryption data aresent to a controlled device. A set of translation rules are determinedfor a message. The translation rules are sent to the controlled device.

The communicating may comprise communicating using the ZigBee SmartEnergy profile. The sending may comprise sending using the ZigBee HomeAutomation profile. The message may comprise a request to reduce powerconsumption in the controlled device. The translation rules may compriserules for translating the message into control instructions specific tothe controlled device. The message may be received from the utilitymeter. The message may comprise a request to reduce power consumption inthe controlled device. The message may be translated into controlinstructions specific to the controlled device. The control instructionsmay cause the controlled device to comply with the message. Newtranslation rules may be determined when a user preference on thecontrolled device is changed. The new translation rules may be sent tothe controlled device.

An apparatus for preparing a controlled device to re-commission itselfin a home area network is also disclosed. The apparatus includes aprocessor and memory in electronic communication with the processor.Executable instructions are stored in the memory. The instructions areexecutable to communicate with a utility meter. The instructions arealso executable to determine an authentication key and encryption datafor communicating with the utility meter. The instructions are alsoexecutable to send the authentication key and encryption data to acontrolled device. The instructions are also executable to determine aset of translation rules for a message. The instructions are alsoexecutable to send the translation rules to the controlled device.

A computer-readable medium for preparing a controlled device tore-commission itself in a home area network is also disclosed. Thecomputer readable medium comprises executable instructions. Theinstructions are executable for communicating with a utility meter. Theinstructions are also executable for determining an authentication keyand encryption data for communicating with the utility meter. Theinstructions are also executable for sending the authentication key andencryption data to a controlled device. The instructions are alsoexecutable for determining a set of translation rules for a message. Theinstructions are also executable for sending the translation rules tothe controlled device.

A method for re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area networkis also disclosed. An authentication key and encryption data arereceived from a computing device. Translation rules are received fromthe computing device. A secure communication link is established with autility meter using the authentication key and the encryption data. Arequest to change power usage is received in a controlled device fromthe utility meter over the secure communication link. The request tochange power usage is translated into control instructions using thetranslation rules.

The establishing may comprise establishing using the ZigBee SE profile.The method may further comprise executing the control instructions. Thereceiving may comprise receiving during a start-up sequence of thecomputing device.

An apparatus for preparing a controlled device to re-commission itselfin a home area network is also disclosed. The apparatus includes aprocessor and memory in electronic communication with the processor.Executable instructions are stored in the memory. The instructions areexecutable to receive an authentication key and encryption data from acomputing device. The instructions are also executable to receivetranslation rules from the computing device. The instructions are alsoexecutable to establish a secure communication link with a utility meterusing the authentication key and the encryption data. The instructionsare also executable to receive a request to change power usage in acontrolled device from the utility meter over the secure communicationlink. The instructions are also executable to translate the request tochange power usage into control instructions using the translationrules.

The terms “power” and “energy” may be used interchangeably herein. It isto be understood that “power” generally refers to a rate of consumptionand anything measured in watts while “energy” generally refers to a unitof work measured in kWh and similar units of energy. However, the term“power” may be used herein to refer to both. Therefore the term “power”as used herein may refer to a rate of transfer, use, or generation ofelectrical energy as well as electrical energy itself.

As the demand for power approaches the capacity to generate power, itmay be desirable to either increase generation capacity, reduceconsumption, or some combination of the two. Since increasing generationcapacity may be prohibitively expensive, an increasing amount of focusis now on intelligently reducing consumption without affectinglifestyle. One way this problem has been approached has been to use adirective model, where a power generation facility sends a directive toa home to perform a very specific action. For example, the thermostat ina home may receive a message from a power facility requesting that thesetting on the home's thermostat be raised by four degrees on a hot dayin order to save power. The thermostat may then follow this directiveand change the programmed setting. However, identical messages receivedby different thermostats may produce inconsistent power savings. Inother words, these directives may produce different results in differenthomes, e.g., a home with shade may warm up slower on a hot day than ahome with no shade. When the directive has been accomplished (raisingthe inside temperature by four degrees), then the program may proceed asusual. Therefore, the exact duration and amount of reduction in powerconsumption may be unknown before a directive is actually sent in thismodel.

Another way to intelligently reduce power consumption may be anobjective model. In this model, a power generation facility may send anobjective to a home that is more general, e.g., reduce powerconsumption. This means that rather than simply sending a specific task,as in the directive model, the objective model allows some type ofdecision based logic in the home to determine how to accomplish theobjective. For example, if the objective is to reduce power consumptionby the heating and cooling system by five percent over the next hour, aHome Area Network controller within the home may determine and implementappropriate settings for the heating and cooling system. This objectiveapproach may provide for better power reduction with limited lifestyleadjustments.

FIG. 1A is a chart illustrating one configuration of a systemimplementing the present systems and methods using the directive model.FIG. 1B is a chart illustrating one configuration of a systemimplementing the present systems and methods using the objective model.In other words, FIGS. 1A and 1B may further illustrate the distinctionbetween the directive model and the objective model. The solid lines 115may represent the state of the heating and cooling system as a functionof time, e.g., ON or OFF. The dotted lines 117 may represent thetemperature inside a home as a function of time. The dashed lines 119may represent the outside temperature as a function of time.

In FIG. 1A, the home may have received a directive to raise the setpoint of the heating and cooling system to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In theillustrated configuration, the outside temperature exceeds 90 degrees.Therefore, the directive may be complied with very quickly. In otherwords, the heating and cooling system may turn OFF for only one half ofan hour, thus resulting in minimal power reduction. In such aconfiguration, a power provider may have estimated more reduction inpower consumption from the directive, and therefore be required to sendmore directives to achieve the desired power reduction it requires. Thismay be inefficient and costly.

In FIG. 1B, however, the home may have received an objective to reducepower consumption by 20 percent from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Home AreaNetwork controller may use decision logic based on a user's preferencesand choose to cycle the heating and cooling system in order to complywith the objective. In the illustrated configuration, the heating andcooling system may turn ON for a short period then OFF for a longerperiod during the specified time period. This may result in slightlyhigher temperatures during this period, but also vastly reduced powerconsumption compared to the directive model in FIG. 1A. Therefore, theobjective model may provide better power reduction with minimallifestyle discomfort because it allows decision logic within the home todetermine and implement the best way to achieve desired power reductionbased on gathered data, e.g., user preferences, current home settings,etc.

The improved power reduction resulting from using the objective modelmay have several advantages. First, it may allow a utility provider,such as a power company, to more accurately avoid peak demand. Utilityproviders may be required to keep a certain percentage of powergeneration capacity available for critical services, e.g., hospitals,emergency responders, etc. Thus, at peak periods, like midday, theutility provider may be able to send objectives to reduce powerconsumption in order to avoid peak demand and avoid having to buy morepower generation from other providers.

The objective model may also benefit power consumers by saving themmoney through efficient reduction in power consumption. For example, apower company may determine the rates charged for power by taking thepeak consumption period over a defined time period, e.g., the highestday's consumption in the previous month. Therefore, the higher aconsumer's peak, the higher the rate charged for the entire month. Underthis billing structure, a consumer may wish to limit their peak periodsof power consumption in order to reduce their monthly rate. Likewise, apower company may charge a higher flat rate during peak hours thanduring non-peak hours. Under this billing structure, a consumer may wishto limit consumption during the period with the highest rate. Likewise,a power company may charge a flat rate that changes every hour. Underthis billing structure, a consumer may wish to limit their powerconsumption when they are informed of a high rate for the upcoming hour.Thus, efficient reduction of power consumption may lower a consumer'scost of power under any rate structure, e.g., tiered pricing, flat rate,hourly variable, etc.

Despite the advantages of the objective model, it is still not ideal.More specifically, the exact power reduction in response to an objectivemay not be known because the various states/configurations andpreferences of the homes to which the objective is sent are not known.For example, if a cooling system in a home was not running, an objectiveto reduce heating and cooling consumption would not result in anyreduction. Likewise, a home may not comply with this type of request. Itmay be inefficient and time-consuming for a power facility to achieve aspecific load reduction by trial and error

Additionally, various components in a home network may fail at any time.Therefore, it may be desirable to prepare devices in the home to receiveand comply with the requests from the power facilities directly. Inother words, it may be desirable for a home area network device tore-commission itself in case a home area network controller fails.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of a system100 for re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network. Thesystem 100 may include a utility meter 102, an in-home display (IHD)104, and one or more home area network (HAN) devices 106. The utilitymeter 102 may be any device capable of measuring consumption of autility, such as power, and communicating with an IHD 104, a HAN device106, and a power system (not shown). Additionally, the utility meter 102may communicate with the IHD 104 using a secure communication module 110that enables encrypted, secure communication. One example of a securecommunication protocol that may be used by the utility meter 102 whencommunicating with the IHD 104 is the ZigBee Smart Energy (ZigBee SE)profile by the ZigBee Alliance. This protocol may provide a low-power,wireless, encrypted link between the utility meter 102 and the IHD 104.Alternatively, the utility meter 102 may use various methods tocommunicate including, but not limited to, an infrared (IR) connection,an Ethernet connection, a wireless connection using the 802.11g (WiFi)standard, or other wired or wireless connections. Examples of utilitymeters 102 may include a power/electricity meter, a water meter, a gasmeter, etc.

One type of message the utility meter 102 may send or repeat is a demandresponse. As used herein the term “demand response” refers to a requestfrom a utility system 102 for decreased utility consumption. While ademand response may be used in the illustrated configurations, thepresent systems and methods may be used other general utility messages,such as a request to change power usage in some way. A utility systemmay send a demand response based on current consumption and generation.For example, a utility system may gather data from many utility meters102 in a power grid about current and anticipated power consumption andsend a demand response to some or all of the HAN devices 106 in thepower grid if the anticipated consumption exceeds power generationcapacity.

A HAN 108 may be a group of controlled devices, such as HAN devices 106,operating in the same environment. Examples of HAN devices 106 include,without limitation, a thermostat, a light switch, a washer, a dryer, afurnace, an air conditioner, a pool controller, etc. The HAN devices 106may communicate with the IHD 104 using a non-secure communication module112 that may reside on the IHD 104 and the HAN device(s) 106. Oneexample of a non-secure communication module 112 that may be used by theHAN device 106 when communicating with the IHD 104 is the ZigBee HomeAutomation (ZigBee HA) profile by the ZigBee Alliance. This protocol mayprovide a multi-purpose, wireless link between the HAN devices 106 andthe IHD 104. Alternatively, the HAN device 106 may communicate usingvarious methods including, but not limited to, an infrared (IR)connection, an Ethernet connection, a wireless connection using the802.11g (WiFi) standard, or other wired or wireless connections.

In one configuration, the utility meter 102 may receive a demandresponse from a utility system and pass it to the IHD 104. The demandresponse may be a request for a particular power consumption objective,e.g., reduce power consumption in the heating and cooling system by fivepercent over the next 2 hours. Since the utility meter 102 may includeimportant usage and account data, the utility meter 102 may use a secureprotocol, such as ZigBee SE to communicate with the IHD 104. The IHD 104may then translate the demand response into control functions for thespecific HAN devices 106. In other words, the IHD 104 may determine howto most efficiently, in light of user preferences, comply with thedemand response. The IHD 104 may send the control functions to the HANdevice 106 using a non-secure protocol, such as ZigBee HA.Alternatively, the IHD 104 may supply the necessary data to allow theHAN device 106 to re-commission itself to directly communicate with theutility meter 102. This will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of a system200 for re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network tocommunicate directly with a utility meter. There may be a power system214 that may send one or more demand responses 216 to HAN devices 206.The power system 214 may communicate with the HAN devices 206 throughone or more networks 218. The power system 214 may be a facility, orpart of a facility, that generates power for a geographic region using avariety of techniques, e.g., coal, nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal,etc. Additionally, the power system 214 may utilize one or moretransmitter towers 220, utility meters 202, IHDs 204, or somecombination thereof when communicating with the HANs 208.

In one configuration, the transmitter towers 220 may communicate withall the utility meters 202 in a geographic region over a proprietarycommunication link, e.g., a 900 MHz spread spectrum, wireless channel.The utility meters 202 may then communicate with the IHDs 204 using asecure link, e.g., Zigbee SE. Lastly, the IHDs 204 may communicate withthe HAN devices 206 using a non-secure link, e.g., ZigBee HA. In thisway, a power system 214 may transmit the demand responses 216 to the HANdevices 206 in a power grid. Alternatively, the transmitter towers 220,utility meters 202, IHDs 204, and HAN devices 206 may use variouscombinations of the network elements described to communicate.

Various networks 218 may be employed with the systems and methodsdescribed herein, e.g., wide area networks (WAN), and home networks. Theterm “network” as used herein, may refer to the Internet, one or morewide area networks (WANs), or one or more local area networks (LANs),etc. Networks may be implemented using wired and/or wirelesscommunication technologies and may use any available protocols toelectronically communicate. In other words, the networks 218 may beimplemented using one or more of the following connections or protocols:an infrared (IR) connection, an Ethernet connection, one of the 802.11(WiFi) wireless standards, hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), filetransfer protocol (FTP), secure file transfer protocol (SFTP), ZigBeeSE, ZigBee HA, Z-Wave by Zensys, Global System for Mobile communications(GSM), any of the HomePlug standards, Broadband over Power Lines (BPL),Power Line Communication (PLC), other proprietary serial protocols, etc.

Many configurations of networks 218 are possible. For example, in oneconfiguration, the power system 214 communicates using spread spectrumcommunication designed to cover a large geographic area, e.g., WANs 218a, 218 b. Conversely, the communication between the utility meters 202and the HANs 208 and within the HANs 208 may use home networks 218 c,218 d, 218 e, 218 f, 218 g using infrared or serial technology designedfor short-range, cost-effective communication, e.g., ZigBee SE andZigBee HA. It should be appreciated that many different configurationsof networks 218 may be possible, e.g. the WANs 218 a, 218 b may use802.11 technology and the home networks 218 c, 218 d, 218 e, 218 f, 218g may use GSM technology. Any technology capable of transmitting databetween the various illustrated devices may be used.

In another configuration, the power system 214 may transmit the demandresponses 216 to the HAN devices 206 using a network 218 h, such as theInternet. In other words, there may be HAN devices 206 residing inlocations without utility meters 202, or at least without utility meters202 capable of communicating as described above. Thus, the power system214 may send the demand responses 216 to the HAN devices 206 d using arouter 222 with an attached non-secure transmitter 226, e.g., a ZigBeeHA transmitter. The non-secure transmitter 226 may transmit the demandresponses 216 to the HAN devices 206 directly or via an IHD 204. Therouter 222 may be controlled by a computing system 224, such as apersonal computer.

The IHD 204 may be a device capable of communicating with the utilitymeter 202 and the HAN devices 206 using a wireless protocol, such asZigBee SE or ZigBee HA. Furthermore, the IHD 204 may include a userinterface and a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The IHD204 may display information relating to the HAN devices 206 to a userand receive input from the user. The IHD 204 may also control thevarious devices 206 in the HANs 208, according to user preferences andreceived demand responses 216, and may store data about the devices 206and the HANs 208 as a whole. Each IHD 204 may control one or more HANs208. Alternatively, there may be more than one IHD 204 c for one HAN 208c. Therefore, the terms “IHD” and “controller” may be usedinterchangeably.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a HAN 308. TheHAN 308 may include an IHD 304 and one or more HAN devices 306. The IHD304 may be in electronic communication with the devices 306. The HAN 308may include multiple IHDs 304, but typically requires that one of theIHDs 304 is designated as the primary IHD 304.

The IHD 304 may be connected to the devices 306 via wireless or wiredconnections. In the present configuration, the IHD 304 may be connectedto the devices 306 via an Ethernet connection 326, a WiFi connection328, a ZigBee HA connection 330, or a combination of the three. The IHD304 may be capable of communicating via these network connections, i.e.Ethernet 326, WiFi 328, ZigBee HA 330, or other types of connections.

The devices 306 may include lighting devices 306 a, temperature controldevices 306 b, security system devices 306 c, audio devices 306 d,landscape devices 306 e, video devices 306 f, control devices 306 g,intercom system devices 306 h, and a power management module 306 i.Lighting devices 306 a may include light switches, dimmers, windowblinds, etc. Temperature control devices 306 b may include thermostats,fans, fireplaces, and the like. Security system devices 306 c mayinclude security cameras, motion detectors, door sensors, windowsensors, gates, or other security devices. Audio devices 306 d mayinclude AM/FM radio receivers, XM radio receivers, CD players, MP3players, cassette tape players, and other devices capable of producingan audio signal. Landscape devices 306 e may include sprinkler systemdevices, drip system devices, and other landscape related devices. Videodevices 306 f may include televisions, monitors, projectors, and otherdevices capable of producing a video signal. The control devices 306 gmay include touch screens, keypads, remote controls, and/or othercontrol devices 306 g capable of communicating with and/or controllinganother device 306. Intercom system devices 306 h may include intercommicrophones, intercom related video devices, and other devices typicallyassociated with an intercom system. The power management module 306 imay include the actual control mechanism for the other devices 306. Inother words, the power management module 306 i may include the controlfunctions that implement functionality for complying with requests forreduced power consumption, e.g., demand responses.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of a system400 for re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network. Autility meter 402 may include a secure communication module 410 thatincludes an authentication key 432 and encryption data 434. The utilitymeter 402 may include a memory or other storage medium 436 that includescustomer usage data 438 and account data 440. Because the usage data 438and account data 440 may be confidential, the utility meter 402 may usea secure, encrypted link to communicate with the IHD 404. For example,the utility meter 402 and the IHD 404 may communicate using the ZigBeeSE profile. The utility meter 402 may also receive demand responses 416that it passes to the IHD 404 and ultimately the HAN devices 406.Additionally, the utility meter 402 may include a proprietarycommunication module 442 for communicating with the transmitter towerswirelessly (e.g., with a 900 MHz spread spectrum, wireless channel,etc.). Alternatively, the utility meter 402, the IHD 404, and the HANdevices 406 may communicate using various methods including, but notlimited to, an infrared (IR) connection, an Ethernet connection, awireless connection using the 802.11g (WiFi) standard, or other wired orwireless connections.

The IHD 404 may receive demand responses 416 from the utility meter 402using the secure communication module 410. Once received, a translationmodule 444 may translate the demand response 416 before sending controlfunctions 448 to the HAN devices 406. For example, the demand response416 may request that the power consumption in a HAN device 406 bereduced by 5% over the next hour. If received directly, the HAN devices406 may not be able comply with that objective. Thus, the control logic446 in the translation module 444 may translate the objective in thedemand response to specific control functions 448. Control functions 448may include instructions that control the operation of HAN devices 406.For example, a control function 448 may change the set point on athermostat, change the setting on a light controller to ON, change theheat setting on a dryer, etc. In other words, the control logic 446 maytranslate demand responses 416 from objectives to directives. Thecontrol functions 448 may not be the only means of controlling the HANdevices 406. In other words, a user may also change the set point on athermostat on the thermostat itself or turn the lights ON using thelight controller itself in addition to using control functions 448provided by the IHD 404.

The control logic 446 may operate based on data in one or more devicerecords 452 that may include device data collected from the device 406as well as learned behavior data. Examples of device data include,without limitation, the type of device 454, current status of the device456, power consumption of the device 458, device preferences 460, andhistorical device data 464. Examples of learned behavior include,without limitation, anticipated power consumption 462, typical deviceload, time behaviors, house load coefficients, etc. For example, the IHD404 may receive a demand response 416 requesting that the powerconsumption in the HAN 408 be reduced by 5% over the next hour. Thecontrol logic 446 may determine that (a) the washer and dryer are bothOFF based on the current status 456, (b) the home owner does not want toadjust the heating and cooling system for non-mandatory demand responses416 based on device preferences, and (c) the pool heater is consuming10% of the power consumed in the HAN 404. Thus, based on this data fromthe device records 452, the control logic may determine that the poolheater should be cycled over the next hour to comply with the demandresponse 416. So, the control logic 446 may produce control functions448 and send them to the pool controller (HAN device) 406.

The HAN devices 406 may include a non-secure communication module 412 tocommunicate with the IHD 404 that uses a non-secure protocol, e.g.,ZigBee HA. The term “non-secure” as used herein may refer to protocolsthat are less secure than secure protocols, e.g., ZigBee HA may includea less robust authentication process and encryption than ZigBee SE.Additionally, the HAN device 406 may include control functions 448 breceived from the IHD 404 or a user through a user interface 468. Devicepreferences 460 b may also be stored on the HAN devices 406.

The IHD 404 may also enable the HAN device 406 to communicate directlywith the utility meter 402, or re-commission itself to communicateand/or otherwise interact with the utility meter 402. This may includecreating and sending translation rules 450 to enable the HAN device 406to translate and comply with the demand responses 416 a from the utilitymeter 402. In other words, if the IHD 404 is disabled for some reason,the HAN device 406 may still be able to receive and comply with demandresponses 416 a from the utility meter 402 using the translation rules450. The re-commissioning of the HAN device 406 to the utility meter 402may also include establishing a secure communication module 410 on theHAN device 406.

Note also that the demand responses 416 may be received via the Internetrather than a utility meter 402. Thus, the HAN device 402 mayre-commission itself to connect to the Internet directly.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system 500 for translating ademand response 516. The system 500 may reside in an IHD 404. The IHD404 may receive a demand response 516 from a utility meter 402.Alternatively, the demand response 516 may be received from theInternet. Based on user preferences 561 and the current device status556, among other data, the control logic 546 may produce controlfunctions 560 for the HAN devices 406 in order to comply with the demandresponse 516. To do this, the control logic 546 may use a set ofreduction priorities 570 and a list of anticipated reduction 572 foreach HAN device 406. The reduction priorities 570 may indicate, based onuser input, the order of HAN devices 406 from which reduction should besought. In the illustrated configuration, the pool controller should bechanged first, then the dryer, then the washer, etc. The anticipatedreduction 572 may indicate the reduction in power consumption by eachHAN device 406 if the devices 406 were managed according to userpreferences 561 based on the current status 556 of each device 406. Forillustration purposes, an example will now be described.

If the demand response 516 is a significant conserve request, thecontrol logic 546 may prepare the list of anticipated reduction 572 fromthe significant conserve preferences 561 and the current status 556 ofthe devices 406. In other words, changing the furnace from 72 degrees(the current status) to 70 degrees (the significant conserve preference)would result in 1.5 kWh savings. Likewise, changing the lights from 100%(current status) to 90% (the significant conserve preference) wouldresult in 0.5 kWh savings. However, according to the current status datastructure 556, the air conditioner, washer, and dryer are already OFF.Thus, no savings would result from implementing the significant conservepreferences in the air conditioner, washer, and dryer. In the samemanner, changing the pool heater from a set point of 70 degrees (currentstatus) to OFF (the significant conserve preference), would result in asavings of 4 kWh. Then, based on the reduction priorities 570, thecontrol logic 546 may produce control functions 560 for each device 406until the demand response 516 has been complied with. Thus, the firstcontrol function 560 produced may be a turn pool OFF command 574. Ifthat alone complies with the demand response 516, there may not beanother control function 560. For example, if significant conservedenotes a 10% reduction in power consumption, and the 4 kWh consumed bythe pool is 10% of the power consumption in the HAN 408, the lights maynot need to be dimmed and the furnace may not need to be adjusted to 70degrees. If, however, 4 kWh is not enough to comply with the demandresponse 516, the control logic 546 may produce more possible actions,e.g., dim lights by 10%. Alternatively, all devices 406 may be managedin accordance with the device preferences 561 without regard to theamount of reduction requested by the demand response 516. In otherwords, the control logic 546 would produce control functions 560 for thepool, lights, and furnace even if the pool control function 560 alonewould be sufficient.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for translating ademand response 416. The method 600 may be performed in an IHD 404.First, the IHD 404 may receive 676 a demand response 416 from a utilitymeter 402 using a secure protocol, such as ZigBee SE. Alternatively, thedemand response 416 may be received from the Internet. This may includeusing an authentication key 432 and encryption data 434 to communicate.The IHD 404 may then determine 678 device data about a controlleddevice, such as a HAN device 406. The device data may include devicedata collected from the device as well as learned behavior data.Examples of device data include, among other data, the type of device454, current status of the device 456, power consumption of the device458, device preferences 460, and historical device data 464. Examples oflearned behavior include, among other data, anticipated powerconsumption 462, typical device load, time behaviors, house loadcoefficients, etc. The IHD 404 may translate 680 the demand response 416into control instructions/functions 448 based on the device data. Thismay include translating objectives into directives that may beimplemented by the HAN device 406. Lastly, the IHD 404 may send 682 thecontrol instructions to the device 406 using a non-secure protocol, suchas ZigBee HA.

Alternatively, the utility meter 402, the IHD 404, and the HAN devices406 may communicate using various methods including, but not limited to,an infrared (IR) connection, an Ethernet connection, a wirelessconnection using the 802.11g (WiFi) standard, or other wired or wirelessconnections.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for preparing acontrolled device to re-commission itself in a home area network 408 tocommunicate directly with and/or otherwise interact with a utility meter402. The method 700 may be performed by an IHD 404. As describedearlier, a utility meter 402 may include confidential information, suchas usage data 438 and account data 440. In order to protect this data,the utility meter 402 may use a secure communication protocol, such asZigBee SE, that utilizes an authentication key 432 and encryption data434. However, the HAN devices 406 may not be able to use such a secureprotocol. Thus, if the IHD 404 is disabled, the HAN device 406 may beincapable of receiving and complying with demand responses 416 from theutility meter 402. One approach may be to re-commission the HAN devices406 to communicate with the utility meter 402. In other words, the IHD404 may enable the HAN devices 406 to communicate directly with theutility meter 402 or the Internet.

The method 700 may be performed in an IHD 404 and may as part of apower-up sequence or shortly thereafter. Furthermore, the IHD 404 mayperform the method 700 for all HAN devices 406 with which itcommunicates. First, the IHD 404 may determine 784 an authentication key432 and encryption data 434 for communicating with a utility meter 402or the Internet. The IHD 404 may send 786 the authentication key 432 andencryption data 434 to a controlled device, such as a HAN device 406.This may enable the HAN device 406 to communicate securely with theutility meter 402, or the Internet, over a secure protocol, such asZigBee SE, if the IHD 404 is disabled. However, the HAN device may stillbe incapable of complying with some or all of the demand responses 416sent from the utility meter 402 because the HAN device 406 does notinclude the control logic 446 for translating objective demand responses416 into directive control functions 448. Thus, the IHD 404 maydetermine 788 a set of translation rules 450 for messages received fromthe utility meter 402, such as demand responses 416. The translationrules 450 may be produced from control logic 446 in the IHD 404. Inother words, the translation rules 450 may be a subset of the rules usedby the control logic 446 in the IHD 404. These translation rules 450 maybe produced once, or every time any preferences 460 in the device 406change. Lastly, the IHD 404 may send 790 the translation rules 450 tothe controlled device 406.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system 800 for re-commissioning acontrolled device 806 in a home area network 808. In other words, theillustrated configuration shows a HAN device 806 re-commissioned, orable to communicate directly with a utility meter 802. As before, theutility meter 802 may communicate using a secure protocol, such asZigBee SE, to protect confidential usage data 838 and account data 840.The secure protocol may utilize an authentication key 832 a andencryption data 834 a. The utility meter 802 may also receive demandresponses 816 a that it passes to the HAN devices 806. Additionally, theutility meter 802 may include a proprietary communication module 842 forcommunicating with a transmitter tower (e.g., over a 900 MHz spreadspectrum, wireless channel, etc.).

In this system 800, however, there may be no IHD 404 serving as anintermediary between the utility meter 802 and the HAN devices 806. TheIHD 404 may have been disabled in some way, but may have enabled the HANdevices 806 to communicate directly with the utility meter 802. Thus,the HAN devices 806 may now include a secure communication module 810 bwith the authentication key 832 b and encryption data 840 necessary tocommunicate using the secure protocol, such as ZigBee SE. Likewise, theIHD 404, before being disabled, may have sent a set of translation rules850 to the HAN devices 806 to enable the devices to translate and complywith the demand responses 816 a from the utility meter 802. Thus, theHAN devices 806 may create the control functions 848 rather thanreceiving them from an IHD 404. In other words, the HAN devices 806 mayreceive objective demand responses 816 b and, using the translationrules 850, produce control functions 848. When executed or implemented,the control functions 848 may allow the HAN devices 806 to comply withthe demand responses 816 a, 816 b.

The HAN devices 806 may still include a non-secure communication module812. Additionally, the HAN device may include device preferences 860that may be received through a user interface 868.

Alternatively, the utility meter 802 and the HAN devices 806 maycommunicate using various methods including, but not limited to, aninfrared (IR) connection, an Ethernet connection, a wireless connectionusing the 802.11g (WiFi) standard, or other wired or wirelessconnections.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 for re-commissioninga controlled device 406 in a home area network 408. The method 900 maybe performed in a HAN device 406. The HAN device 406 may receive 992 anauthentication key 432 and encryption data 434 from an IHD 404.Likewise, the HAN device 406 may receive 994 translation rules 450 fromthe IHD 404. The translation rules 450 may be a subset of the controllogic 446 used by the IHD 404 to translate objective demand responses416 into directive control functions 448. The authentication key 432,encryption data 434, and translation rules 450 may be received 994 fromthe IHD 404 during a power-up sequence of the IHD 404 or shortlythereafter. Additionally, the translation rules 450 may be received 994periodically, e.g., whenever the device preferences 460 change.

Then, the HAN device 406 may establish 996 a secure communication linkwith a utility meter 402 using the authentication key 432 and theencryption data 434. This may include communicating using ZigBee SE.Then the HAN device 406 may receive 998 a demand response 416 from theutility meter 402 over the secure communication link. The demandresponse 416 may be in the form of an objective, e.g., reduce powerconsumption by 5% over the next hour. The HAN device 406 may thentranslate 999 the demand response 416 into control instructions 448using the translation rules 450. The control instructions 448 may be inthe form of a directive, e.g., turn the pool heater OFF.

Alternatively, the utility meter 402, the IHD 404, and the HAN devices406 may communicate using various methods including, but not limited to,an infrared (IR) connection, an Ethernet connection, a wirelessconnection using the 802.11g (WiFi) standard, or other wired or wirelessconnections.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating multiple configurations ofpossible screenshots 1031 on a IHD 404. The IHD 404 may include adisplay that receives input from a user via touchpad, buttons, keyboard,etc., or the IHD 404 may be connected to a separate display, e.g., atelevision or computer monitor. Each screenshot 1031 may includeconfiguration buttons 1033 that may configure the displayed data 1035.For example, a user may choose a monthly, daily, or hourly view of theirenergy use in bar graph form 1035 a, pie chart form 1035 b, or rawnumbers 1035 c. Each display may also include navigation buttons 1037that allow the user to navigate between views. For example, a user mayswitch the view between overall energy use 1039 a, 1039 b, device views1039 c, and a home energy manager 1039 d, 1039 e, and device preferences1039 f. The display may also include control buttons 1041 that changesettings within a device 206 or a HAN 208. For example, using thecontrol buttons 1041, a user may turn the thermostat to heat 1041 a,cool 1041 b, OFF 1041 c, or adjust the temperature set point 1045 b upor down and may turn the fan to auto 1041 d, ON 1041 e, or OFF 1041 f.Additionally, the display may also notify a user of any alerts 1043,such as received demand responses 416 and allow them to override 1041 ior comply 1041 j with the alert 1043. Likewise, the display may alsoinclude device specific data, such as the current temperature 1045 a andthe current temperature set point 1045 b for a thermostat 1039 c.

Additionally still, the IHD 404 may display and change the userpreferences 1060 for one or more HAN devices 406 using the configurationbuttons 1033. For example, in response to a maximum conserve demandresponse 416, the user may choose to change the set point on thethermostat to 82 degrees, turn the dryer OFF, and turn the hot waterheater OFF. Thus, when a maximum conserve demand response 416 isreceived, the control logic 446 in the IHD 404, or the translation rules450 in the HAN device 406, may use the device preferences 1060 to createcontrol functions 448 that comply with the demand response 416. Devicepreferences 1060 may be created for many different types of demandresponses 416 and HAN devices 406.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating various components that may beutilized in a computing device/electronic device 1102. The computingdevice/electronic device 1102 may implement a utility meter 402, an IHD404, or a HAN device 406. Thus, although only one computingdevice/electronic device 1102 is shown, the configurations herein may beimplemented in a distributed system using many computer systems.Computing devices/electronic devices 1102 may include the broad range ofdigital computers including microcontrollers, hand-held computers,personal computers, servers, mainframes, supercomputers, minicomputers,workstations, and any variation or related device thereof.

The computing device/electronic device 1102 is shown with a processor1101 and memory 1103. The processor 1101 may control the operation ofthe computing device/electronic device 1102 and may be embodied as amicroprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP) orother device known in the art. The processor 1101 typically performslogical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions storedwithin the memory 1103. The instructions 1104 in the memory 1103 may beexecutable to implement the methods described herein.

The computing device/electronic device 1102 may also include one or morecommunication interfaces 1107 and/or network interfaces 1113 forcommunicating with other electronic devices. The communicationinterface(s) 1107 and the network interface(s) 1113 may be based onwired communication technology, and/or wireless communicationtechnology, such as ZigBee SE or ZigBee HA.

The computing device/electronic device 1102 may also include one or moreinput devices 1109 and one or more output devices 1111. The inputdevices 1109 and output devices 1111 may facilitate user input. Othercomponents 1115 may also be provided as part of the computingdevice/electronic device 1102.

Data 1106 and instructions 1104 may be stored in the memory 1103. Theprocessor 1101 may load and execute instructions 1104 from theinstructions 1104 in memory 1103 to implement various functions.Executing the instructions 1104 may involve the use of the data 1106that is stored in the memory 1103. The instructions 1104 are executableto implement one or more of the processes or configurations shownherein, and the data 1106 may include one or more of the various piecesof data described herein.

The memory 1103 may be any electronic component capable of storingelectronic information. The memory 1103 may be embodied as random accessmemory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media,optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memoryincluded with the processor, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit), registers, and so forth,including combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term “determining” encompasses a wide variety ofactions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating,computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g.,looking up in a table, a database or another data structure),ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving(e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in amemory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving,selecting, choosing, establishing and the like.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on.”

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits describedherein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor,a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or otherprogrammable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discretehardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform thefunctions described herein. A general purpose processor may be amicroprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be anyconventional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described herein may be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor or ina combination of the two. A software module may reside in any form ofstorage medium that is known in the art. Some examples of storage mediathat may be used include RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROMmemory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM and so forth. A software module may comprise a singleinstruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed over severaldifferent code segments, among different programs and across multiplestorage media. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to a processorsuch that the processor can read information from, and write informationto, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may beintegral to the processor.

The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions forachieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may beinterchanged with one another without departing from the scope of theclaims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions isrequired for proper operation of the method that is being described, theorder and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modifiedwithout departing from the scope of the claims.

The functions described may be implemented in hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, thefunctions may be stored as one or more instructions on acomputer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium may be anyavailable medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example,and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise RAM, ROM,EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tocarry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, asused herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc,digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray® disc where disksusually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce dataoptically with lasers.

Software or instructions may also be transmitted over a transmissionmedium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologiessuch as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiberoptic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such asinfrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition oftransmission medium.

Functions such as executing, processing, performing, running,determining, notifying, sending, receiving, storing, requesting, and/orother functions may include performing the function using a web service.Web services may include software systems designed to supportinteroperable machine-to-machine interaction over a computer network,such as the Internet. Web services may include various protocols andstandards that may be used to exchange data between applications orsystems. For example, the web services may include messagingspecifications, security specifications, reliable messagingspecifications, transaction specifications, metadata specifications, XMLspecifications, management specifications, and/or business processspecifications. Commonly used specifications like SOAP, WSDL, XML,and/or other specifications may be used.

It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the preciseconfiguration and components illustrated above. Various modifications,changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation anddetails of the systems, methods, and apparatus described herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

1. A method for preparing a controlled device to re-commission itself ina home area network, the method comprising: communicating with a utilitymeter; determining an authentication key and encryption data forcommunicating with the utility meter; sending the authentication key andencryption data to a controlled device; determining a set of translationrules for a message; and sending the translation rules to the controlleddevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communicating comprisescommunicating using the ZigBee Smart Energy profile.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the sending comprises sending using the ZigBee HomeAutomation profile.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the messagecomprises a request to reduce power consumption in the controlleddevice.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the translation rules compriserules for translating the message into control instructions specific tothe controlled device.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving the message from the utility meter, wherein the messagecomprises a request to reduce power consumption in the controlleddevice; translating the message into control instructions specific tothe controlled device, wherein the control instructions cause thecontrolled device to comply with the message; and sending the controlinstructions to the controlled device.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining new translation rules when a user preference onthe controlled device is changed; and sending the new translation rulesto the controlled device.
 8. An apparatus for preparing a controlleddevice to re-commission itself in a home area network, comprising: aprocessor; memory in electronic communication with the processor;instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable bythe processor to: communicate with a utility meter; determine anauthentication key and encryption data for communicating with theutility meter; send the authentication key and encryption data to acontrolled device; determine a set of translation rules for a message;and send the translation rules to the controlled device.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions for communicating furthercomprise instructions executable to communicate using the ZigBee SmartEnergy profile.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructionsfor sending further comprise instructions executable to send using theZigBee Home Automation profile.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, whereinthe message comprises a request to reduce power consumption in thecontrolled device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein thetranslation rules comprise rules for translating the message intocontrol instructions specific to the controlled device.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 8, further comprising instructions executable to:receive the message from the utility meter, wherein the messagecomprises a request to reduce power consumption in the controlleddevice; translate the message into control instructions specific to thecontrolled device, wherein the control instructions cause the controlleddevice to comply with the message; and send the control instructions tothe controlled device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprisinginstructions executable to: determine new translation rules when a userpreference on the controlled device is changed; and send the newtranslation rules to the controlled device.
 15. A computer-readablemedium for preparing a controlled device to re-commission itself in ahome area network, the computer readable medium comprising executableinstructions for: communicating with a utility meter; determining anauthentication key and encryption data for communicating with theutility meter; sending the authentication key and encryption data to acontrolled device; determining a set of translation rules for a message;and sending the translation rules to the controlled device.
 16. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions forcommunicating comprise instructions for communicating using the ZigBeeSmart Energy profile.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the instructions for sending comprise instructions for sendingusing the ZigBee Home Automation profile.
 18. The computer-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the message comprises a request to reducepower consumption in the controlled device.
 19. The computer-readablemedium of claim 18, wherein the translation rules comprise rules fortranslating the message into control instructions specific to thecontrolled device.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, furthercomprising instructions for: receiving the message from the utilitymeter, wherein the message comprises a request to reduce powerconsumption in the controlled device; translating the message intocontrol instructions specific to the controlled device, wherein thecontrol instructions cause the controlled device to comply with themessage; and sending the control instructions to the controlled device.21. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprisinginstructions for: determining new translation rules when a userpreference on the controlled device is changed; and sending the newtranslation rules to the controlled device.
 22. A method forre-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network, the methodcomprising: receiving an authentication key and encryption data from acomputing device; receiving translation rules from the computing device;establishing a secure communication link with a utility meter using theauthentication key and the encryption data; receiving a request tochange power usage in a controlled device from the utility meter overthe secure communication link; and translating the request to changepower usage into control instructions using the translation rules. 23.The method of claim 22, wherein the receiving comprises receiving usingthe ZigBee Home Automation profile.
 24. The method of claim 22, whereinthe establishing comprises establishing using the ZigBee SE profile. 25.The method of claim 22, further comprising: executing the controlinstructions.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the receivingcomprises receiving during a start-up sequence of the computing device.27. An apparatus for preparing a controlled device to re-commissionitself in a home area network, comprising: a processor; memory inelectronic communication with the processor; instructions stored in thememory, the instructions being executable by the processor to: receivingan authentication key and encryption data from a computing device;receiving translation rules from the computing device; establishing asecure communication link with a utility meter using the authenticationkey and the encryption data; receiving a request to change power usagein a controlled device from the utility meter over the securecommunication link; and translating the request to change power usageinto control instructions using the translation rules.
 28. The apparatusof claim 27, wherein the instructions for receiving compriseinstructions executable to receive using the ZigBee Home Automationprofile.
 29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the instructions forestablishing comprise instructions executable to establish using theZigBee SE profile.
 30. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprisinginstructions executable to: execute the control instructions.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 27, wherein the instructions for receiving compriseinstructions executable to receive during a start-up sequence of thecomputing device.